Frequently Asked Questions
Fingerprint Questions
1. I’ve been fingerprinted before, why do I need to be fingerprinted again?
The first part of the fingerprinting process is identification. The State of Alaska and the FBI use the fingerprint card to make a positive identification based on previous fingerprints. The FBI will not release any information without positive identification. The second part of the process is to check for current criminal history.
2. How long are fingerprints good for?
The State of Alaska and the FBI do not want to accept fingerprint cards that are older than one year, but many agencies have also established their own guidelines. You should contact the agency of employment to determine their guidelines.
3. I’ve been cleared by the BCU, how long is that good for?
Once you have been cleared through the BCU, your background is generally good for six years. But, you must stay employed at the same or another company that uses the BCU. If you quit your job for more than 100 days you are required to get fingerprinted again.
IIf you get another job before you have been cleared through the BCU you will need to get fingerprinted again. The online database will indicate that you need to be fingerprinted.f you get another job before you have been cleared through the BCU you will need to get fingerprinted again. The online database will indicate that you need to be fingerprinted.
4. I’ve been fingerprinted for my nursing license why do I need to be fingerprinted again?
Occupational licensing does not share information with employers. If you are going to work for a hospital, assisted living home or any facility that requires BCU clearance you will need to be fingerprinted.
5. Why do I need to get fingerprinted to renew my teaching certificate?
The legislation has been written that you must get fingerprinted to renew your teacher certification if you are not currently under contract with an Alaska School District.
CASTECH FINGERPRINTING SERVICES
Walk in service - not appointment is necessary
Closed Christmas & New Years
December 23 to January 7
Open regular hours January 8
Telephone Numbers:
(907) 337-5002
(907) 337-0575 -- fax
Address:
2217 East Tudor Road, Suite 12
Anchorage, AK 99507
Business Hours:
Monday-Friday 9 am to 5:00 pm
(closed Monday-Friday 1:00 - 2:00)
closed Saturday and Sunday
Walk-in welcomed
Holiday closure:
New Years Day
Memorial Day
4th of July
Labor Day
Thanksgiving
Christmas
6. I’ve been there before can I get a copy of my fingerprints?
Fingerprint cards are time sensitive and coded for each individual employer, license, certification or purpose. We do not retain fingerprint records and cannot provide additional copies at a later date as a precaution for your personal security.
7. Can you do HazMat fingerprinting?
No, there is only one provider for HazMat fingerprinting. The current location for HazMat fingerprinting is the Alaska Teamster Employer Service Training Trust, 520 East 34th Avenue, Suite 201, (907) 278-3674. Below is the link on the TSA website:
Passport Questions
1. What do I need to get a passport?
For a first time passport application, you will need a certified copy of your birth certificate (the document that you got from state or country not from the hospital where you were born), a government photo ID card (driver’s license, state ID, etc.); if you are a naturalized citizen you will need an original copy of your naturalization papers, 2x2 color photograph, and the application. To download an application for first time passport application use the following link: http://eforms.state.gov/forms//docs/ds0011.pdf
2. How do I renew my passport?
If you obtained your current passport within fifteen years and you still have the passport, you renew through the mail. You will need a renewal application and 2x2 color photograph. You will mail the original passport, new photograph, application and fees to the address on the application. To download an application for first time passport application use the following link: To download an application for renewal passport application use the following link:
3. How much does it cost to get a passport?
http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/fees/fees_837.html is the link to the state department website for the current fees.
4. How long does it take to get a passport?
http://www.travel.state.gov/passport/processing/processing_1740.html is the link to the state department website for the current processing times.
5. Where do I apply for my passport?
The following post office accept passport applications:
Anchorage
USPO Airport
4141 Postmark Drive Monday-Saturday 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
USPO Sand Lake
2200 Strawberry Road Monday-Friday 10:00 AM – 3:00PM
USPO Eastchester Station
800 Ingra Street Monday-Friday 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Eagle River
11471 Business Blvd Monday-Friday 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Girdwood
118 Lindblad Monday-Friday 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (closed for lunch 1:00)
Wasilla
401 North Main Street Monday-Friday 9:30 AM – 2:30PM
